Newsletter

United Way of Coastal Empire celebrates superpowers at 76th annual awards luncheon

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Jenny Gentry appears as "Wonder Woman" after being introduced by Board Chairman Michael Traynor, Publisher Savannah Morning News, as the 2014 Campaign Chair for United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Gregg Schroeder, President and CEO United Way of the Coastal Empire, honors Linda Evans with the Spirit of Advocating award.

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Robert Jepson is given the Spirit of Giving award by Gregg Schroeder, President and CEO, during the United Way of the Coastal Empire Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Wednesday at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto.

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Robert Jepson speaks after being honored with the Spirit of Giving award during the United Way of the Coastal Empire Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Wednesday at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto.

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Jenny Gentry swings her "Wonder Woman" lasso after being introduced as the 2014 Campaign Chair for United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News Craig Harney speaks after being honored with the Spirit of Volunteering award.

United Way of the Coastal Empire celebrated its philanthropic superpowers Wednesday at the 76th annual awards banquet at the Desoto Hilton.

The organization’s board chair Jeff Kole told the crowd of 350 United Way had much to celebrate this past year, including the raising of more than $8.9 million during its 2013 campaign, exceeding its goal.

“It was the leadership of United Way campaign chair Dale Holloway of Georgia Power, who with his team ‘Power Rangers,’ brought so much enthusiasm and passion to the campaign,” said Kole during the accolade-packed lunch.

Kole said United Way had invested in 104 programs across 59 nonprofits in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties, with more than 9,500 volunteers dedicating 58,000 hours of service to their communities.

United Way plans to invest more than $4.5 million this year in areas such as education and youth development, economic independence, health and wellness and basic human needs, according to the organization’s annual report.

Later in the event, Gregg Schroeder, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire, honored three individuals with Spirit of the Community Awards, the first to businessman and philanthropist Bob Jepson for giving.

Not only had Jepson continually contributed the most money to its campaigns but he embodies what the organization stands for, Schroeder said. He recounted a commencement speech Jepson gave to the Savannah College of Art and Design several years ago.

“He said to the group, ‘If you look back after you have your career, you’re not going to measured by how much money you make, you’re only measured by how much you gave back,’ and I think Bob exemplified that and is a wonderful recipient for us today,” said Schroeder.

Other awards were given to philanthropist and community activist Linda Evans for her advocacy and WTOC’s Craig Harney for volunteering.

“United Way has taken the lead to identify those problems that are most pressing in our community and to direct precious donor dollars toward alleviating those problems,” said Evans.

The meeting concluded with the introduction of the 2014 board chair, Savannah Morning News Publisher Michael Traynor, who thanked Kole for his leadership.

“I’ve seen the community come together through the good times and the tough times, and Jeff certainly leaves very big shoes to fill,” said Traynor.

Eight people were elected and confirmed to serve on the 2014 board of directors, including 2014 campaign chair Jenny Gentry, Wells Fargo market president.

In a nod to past super hero-themed pledge drives, former campaign leaders introduced Gentry, who ran to the stage accompanied by the rousing Rocky Balboa theme song.

“Move over, boys! This is a woman’s job,” said Gentry, dressed in a Wonder Woman costume complete with gold tiara and gold and white boots.

On stage, Gentry pledged to make the 2014 campaign as successful as last year’s.

Gentry said her comic-book credentials will come in handy during this year’s fundraising efforts.

“The real Wonder Woman has a lasso of truth, indestructible bracelets and an invisible Gulfstream plane,” said Gentry, attempting to lasso an uncooperative prop rope.

“I gotta work on that,” she said.

2014 BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• BOARD CHAIR: Michael Traynor, Savannah Morning News

• BOARD VICE CHAIR: Pratt Summers, Colonial Group

• IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD CHAIR: Jeff Kole, Kole Management Company

• CORPORATE SECRETARY: Frank Macgill, HunterMaclean

• TREASURER AND FINANCE CHAIR: Cindy Robinett, Seacrest Partners

• CAMPAIGN CHAIR: Jenny Gentry, Wells Fargo

• MARKETING CHAIR: Deb Thompson, WSAV-TV

• COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS CHAIR: Steve Pound, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System